Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which process involves modeling your organization after those who excel in a specific operational facet?

1. Benchmarking

2. Outsourcing

3. Scheduling

4. Quality Circles

The correct answer is: Benchmarking

Benchmarking is the process that involves modeling your organization after those who excel in a specific operational facet. This involves comparing your organization's processes, performance metrics, and practices with those of leading organizations in the industry that are recognized for their superior capabilities. The goal of benchmarking is to identify areas where improvements can be made, learn best practices, and implement strategies that have been successful for others. By studying these exemplary performers, organizations can gain deeper insights into effective operational strategies and thus improve their own performance. This technique emphasizes a systematic approach to improvement and fosters a culture of continuous enhancement across operations by adapting proven methods and systems utilized by the best in the field. In contrast, outsourcing focuses on contracting third parties to handle certain business functions, scheduling is about managing timelines and resource allocation, and quality circles are groups of employees who come together regularly to identify and solve work-related problems. These processes, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically involve modeling an organization after others as benchmarking does.